Veneer patch routing and patch holding during routing mechanism



June 30, 1953 c. A. SHERMAN 2,643,689

VENEER PATCH ROUTING AND PATCH HOLDING v DURING ROUTING MECHANISM Filed Dec. 27, 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet l 28 78 2/9 683 203 o H i H H I I2 I? 2.9 O i z 0 0 28 June 30, 1953 c. A. SHERMAN 2,643,689

VENEER PATCH ROUTING AND PATCH HOLDING DURING ROUTING MECHANISM Filed D60. 27, 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. 7a 75 C/Iar/es/ZJ/Ierman BY 77 6 Q 5 73 Fi .6 w 77 ITTOIFWEYS June 30, 1953 c. A. SHERMAN 2,643,689

VENEER PATCH ROUTING AND PATCH HOLDING DURING ROUTING MECHANISM Filgd Dec. 27, 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVEN TOR. Char/es 1% Sher/72012 17 7' TOR/V5 Y5 June 30, 1953 c. A. SHERMAN 2,643,689

VENEER PATCH ROUTING AND PATCH HOLDING DURING ROUTING MECHANISM Filed Dec. 27, 1949 s Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

x? 7 TOR/V61 6 Patented June 30, 1953 VENEER PATCH ROUTING AND, PATCH HOLDING DURING ROUTING MECHA- NISM Charles A. Sherman, Tacoma, Wash.

Application December 27, 1949, Serial No. 135,197

13 Claims. 1

This invention relates to a patch routing machine for making patches or pieces of predetermined shape and means for holding and supporting the patch section and controlling its release after being formed. More particularly, the present invention is an improvement on the machine disclosed in my prior patent application Serial No. 53,248 filed October 7, 194.8. lIl'ie machine herein disclosed is designed for making wood veneer patches of oval shape to be used in patching plywood, but it will be understood that this machine is adapted for making patches or pieces of various other shapes and for other-uses.

I-Ieretofore, veneer patches of my experience have had the surface of their edge portionspossessed of small projections, depressions and irregularities which prevent the patch from accurately and precisely fitting into the veneer opening to be repaired. To provide a veneer patch characterized in having its edge portion of smooth and even cut surface free of projections of material, depressions and irregularities is the object of this invention. In general and briefly and therefore incompletely stated, I have discovered that by holding and supporting the patch section to be cut from the patch veneer stock during and throughout the application of the routing tool in cutting or forming the patch and controlling the releasing or removal of the cut out patch, that a patch resultscharacterized by having its edge surface smooth and free of above named objections. The improvement features of the invention herein set forth in providing such an improved patch appear particularly in Figs. 1, 5, 5A, 5B, 6 and 20.

In the manufacture of plywood, after several sheets of veneer have been glued together to form the plywood, it is often desirable to correct surface imperfections by removing defective spots, such as pitch pockets, knots and the like, from the surface plies and gluing in place thereof patches of veneer. Usually these patches are of oval shape. The defective spots :are commonly removed from the surface plies ofthe plywood by routing because this can be done quickly and easily and without digging into the inner orcore plies to which the surface plies are glued. In routing a defective spot out of a surface ply so as to leave an oblong hole, it is necessary that this hole shall have rounded rather than pointed ends due to the fact that the routing tool is essentially a cylindrical tool. For this reason it is necessary to provide oval patches, with rounded ends, to properly lit the routed out holes in the 2 surface plies, and it is desirable to form these patches by routing.

When a single ply veneer is to be patched before it has been made into plywood, this can be done in a satisfactory manner by sawing out defects so as to leave, in the single ply veneer, holes with pointed ends and by sawing out oblong boat shaped patches with pointed ends to fit these holes. However, as above pointed out, it is not practical to saw out defects and leave oblong openings with pointed ends in surface plies after the veneer has been made into plywood, but is more practical to rout out these defects thereby leaving oblong or oval shaped openings with rounded ends which must be patched by using patches with rounded ends.

In the machine disclosed in my prior application hereinbefore identified means are provided for firmly holding the strip of stock from which patches are being made while the patches are being cut but no means :are provided for holding the patch itself while it is being out or routed out. It is an object of this invention to provide means for holding the patch itself while it is being cut thereby making it possible to provide a patch with a smoother and more even edge andone which is free from edge defects and controls the release and discharge of the patch.

It is an object of this invention to provide an automatic machine which will make oval shaped patches with rounded ends, inexpensively and accurately, and at a high rate of speed.

Another object of this invention is to provide a patch cutting machine in which all of the operations are carefully and accurately timed and waste of material is reduced to a minimum.

A further object of this invention is to provide a mechanism to cause the follower roller to follow precisely the cam.

A further object of my invention is the providing of a variable angular feed control mechanism in a limited space.

A further object of this invention is to provide an electrically controlled hydraulic positioning mechanism.

One of the problems in cutting a veneer patch is the providing of a smooth cut edge and this in turn requires a rigidity of holding. A further primary object of my invention is the providing of a method and mechanism of holding the material from which the patch is being cut with such rigidity that a smooth out edge results. Accordingly, in addition to clamping the material, my .object is to supplement the holding means by placing the material under tension.

A further primary object of my invention is to eliminate complex mechanism and this is done in part by positioning the means which actuates or causes the routing tool to follow a predetermined path by positioning the said mechanism controlling the cam follower roller immediately beneath the cams and mounting the routing tool on the arm or leg of a U-shaped bracket axially above said follower roller, the said follower roller being mounted on the other arm or leg of said U- shaped member. A further object of such a positioning is to provide for selectively engagin a plurality of cams for controlling the path of the routing tool.

A furthe primary object of myinvention is to provide an electrical circuit which will tie together all the operating constituents of this machine and provide a balanced synchronized movement of all the parts.

A further primary object of my. invention is to provide a suitable time interval between the finish cut of one patch and the shifting of the material for the next patch. This is accomplished by permitting the routing tool to idly continue in its path of movement while returning to its initial position for cutting.

A further primary object of my invention is to provide a clutch for variably controlling the material feed mechanism for different sizes of patches.

A further object of my invention is to provide such a clutch as will be precise in its control to avoid wastage of material.

The above mentioned general objects of my invention, together with others inherent in the same, are attained by the mechanism illustrated in the following drawings, the same being preferred exemplary forms of embodiment of my invention, throughout which drawings like reference numerals indicate like parts:

Figure l is a top plan view of a plywood patch making machine embodying my invention, part of the supporting means for the material from which the patches are made being broken away at one end of the machine;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same, looking in the direction of broken line 22 of Fig. 1, parts being shown in a different position than they are in Fig. 1 and parts being broken away;

Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the same looking in the direction of broken line 33 of Fig. 2 and with parts shown in section;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view with parts in elevation taken substantiallyon broken line 44 of Fig. 1, parts being omitted;

Fig. 5 is a sectional View with parts in elevation taken substantially on broken line 5-5 of Fig. 1, and ona larger scale than Fig. 1;

Fig. 5A is a detached fragmentary view partly in section and partly in elevation showing patch holding means in a patch releasing position which it may occupy at the time a patch is being dropped and discharged from the machine;

Fig. 5B is a detached front edge view of a patch holding member embodied in this invention showing vacuum cups and needles thereon;

Fig. 6 is a detached sectional assembly view showing adjustable bracket arm means by which a router tool is carried and guided together with bearing means in a table supporting the same.

Fig. '7 is a detached fragmentary view partly in section and partly in elevation showing hydraulically operated devices for applying or positioning the patch making material to the router tool and securely clamping the same while a patch is being made;

Fig. 8 is a detached elevation of an adjustable precise clutch-like feed control device for fully controlling the feed of a veneer strip to the patch making tool;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken substantially on broken line 99 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken substantially on broken line l0i0 of Fig. 9;

Figs. 11 and 12 are respectively a face view and an edgeview of an eccentric disc embodied in this clutch-like feed control device;

Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 are respectively a face view and an edge view of an oscillatory plate embodied in this clutch-like feed control device;

Figs. 15 and 16 are respectively a face view and an edge view of a roller adjusting cage embodied in this clutch-like feed control device;

Fig. 16A is a detached fragmentary sectional view of a modified form of roller and roller cage means which may be used in said clutch-like feed control device characterized in providing extremely high degree of accuracy;

Fig. 17 is a detached plan view of a cam member embodied in the invention as representative of a plurality of cams which may be used and as well as of diiferent types of cams;

Fig. 18 is a plan view of a patch made by this machine; 18A is a view in cross section on line i8l8 of Fi 18;

Fig. 19 is a fragmentary plan view of a strip of veneer from which some patches have been cut;

Fig. 19A is a fragmentary view of a strip of patch making material or stock indicating by broken lines the outline of a patch section;

Fig. 20 is a diagram showing electrical control means for the hydraulic material positioning and patch holding means and other constituent elementsof the machine; and

Fig. 21 is an enlarged detail view of the holding arm with patch material when under tension.

This patch making machine comprises a table top i2, preferably .of rectangular shape, supported on legs 13. This table i2 as herein illustrated is shown in a horizontal position in the drawings, but it will be understood that if desired this entire machine, including the table top J2, may be supported at an angle or incline to facilitate the discharge of patches from the machine by gravity as hereinafter explained. The frame supports or legs on one side of the machine maybe shorter than on the opposite side so that the table is disposed in its transverse axis on an incline, thereby permitting the released patch to slide down the incline and free itself from the machine by gravity.

The table top I2 is provided adjacent the side which is shown uppermost in Fig. 1 with two spaced apart aligned longitudinally extending raised portions 54 and 15. The inner ends of these two raised portions 14 and it are spaced apart to provide room therebetween for patch making tools as hereinafter described. Preferably, the raised portion 15 shown at the right of Figs. 1,'2 and 4 extends beyond the end of the table and is connected with means, such as frame is carrying transfer rolls H, upon which are supported. strips IB (Figs. 4 and 19) of veneer or other material, from which patches 18' (see Fig. 18) are to be made. Longitudinally extending upwardly protruding spaced apart parallel guide ribs 19 are provided along the respective edges of the raised portions 14 and I5 to serve as guide means forthe strips l8 from which patches are to be made.

The strips l8 of veneer stock can be of any desired length. For making patches of the type ordinarily used in patching fir plywood, these strips can be about two and one half inches wide.

The strips of stock ill from which patches are to be made are stacked in superimposed relation on the rolls ll, Figs. 1, 2 and 4, with their advanced end portions overlapping the table member l5 and with the ends of all of the strips it, except the lowermost one, resting against an upright stop member 23. The bottom end portion of the stop member 23 is positioned high enough above the frame of the table member l5 so that the lowermost strip i8 will pass thereunder, but all strips above the lowermost strip will be stopped thereby. Preferably the strip engaging face of the upright stop member 2% is positioned a short distance to the left of the axial vertical plane of a feed roll 21, as respects the showing in Fig. 4. This permits the leading end portion of the lowermost strip l8 initially to be positioned on the feed roll 27 in starting the machine and superimposed strips is will successively drop down on this feed roll I! and feed to the left, Fig. 4, as the machine operates. A weight 2| is guided for vertical movement on upright frame posts 22 and res-ts on the uppermost strip 58 of the pile. This weight 2| is heavy enough to hold the strips l8 against the roll 2'1 and prevent slippage between the roll 21 and the lowermost strip it. An opening 2| in the weight 2| provides clearance for the stop member 28. Preferably the stop member 20 is vertically adjustably supported from a bracket 23 which is secured to the frame. This makes it possible to correctly adjust the stop member 28 vertically to control the feeding of strip-s |8 of different thickness. These strips will be successively fed to the left through the machine as respects the showing in Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive by means which will now be explained.

The feed roll 21 and other feed rolls such as rolls 25, 26 are rotatively supported beneath the table [2 by bearing means 28. Each feed roll 25, 26 and 2? has a serrated or roughened peripheral surface for engagement with the strips It of material to be fed. An opening 29 is provided in the table l2 above each feed roll 25, 26 and 27, see Fig. 4, and each feed roll is positioned with its uppermost peripheral portion substantially flush with the top surface of the portion of the table over which the strips l8 pass.

A hold-down roll 3|} is resiliently supported above each of the driven rolls 25 and 2B. The supporting means for the hold-down rolls 3B is preferably of the type shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4,

and is in duplicate at each end of each of said rolls 30. This supporting means at each end of each roll 3E preferably comprises a bearing yoke 3| rotatively supporting an end portion of the roll and slidable on two spaced apart upright posts 32 which are fixedly supported by frame l2. A cross yoke 33 is adjustably supported on the upper end portions of each pair of posts 32 and is connected with the frame l2 by adjusting screws 34. Compression springs 35 are provided on the posts 32 between the yokes 3| and 33. The springs 35 yieldingly urge the rolls 38 downwardly and the pressure of these springs can be adjusted by means of the screws 34.

The two driven rolls 25 and 28 are spaced a substantial distance apart and the devices for making the patches are positioned between these two driven rolls, and between the adjacent ends of the raised portions l4 and l5 of the table i2. At this location, the table I2 is provided with a cylindrical cam receptacle 36, Fig. 5, which extends tbelow the plane of the table. The lower edge portion of the cam receptacle 3% has an inwardly extending flange 31. The flange 31 cooperates in supporting a plurality of cam members, such as 35, 39 and 4B, which are disposed within the receptacle 35 and fixedly secured thereto as by bolts 24.

The three cams 38, 39 and lil herein shown have cam tracks or openings 38', 39 and 40' which are of generally oval or elliptical shape but it will be understood that the shape of these cam tracks will be determined by the shape of the patch which it is desired to make. Also, it will be understood that the machine can be provided with one or more cams depending on the number of different size or different shape patches to be cut, provided shapes of cams are non-interfering.

The means for supporting the patch material while the patch is being routed out of the same, comprises two spaced apart parallel horizontal plates 4| and 42 positioned one above another and positioned respectively above and below the path of the strip I8 of material from which the patches are being cut so that the strip It can be intermittently advanced between said plates and can be clamped between said plates while the patches are being routed out. The two platesv 4| and 42 are respectively provided with centrally disposed openings 43 and 44 for a tool to operate through and for the routed out parts to drop through, as hereinafter described.

The uppermost plate 4|, see Figs. 5 and 7, is wider than the lowermost plate 42 and said uppermost plate 4| is supported, preferably at four points, on upstanding lugs 45 on two spaced apart parallel support brackets 46. Screws 4? secure the plate 4| to the lugs 45. The brackets 46 rest upon and are secured to the table i2; as by screws 48, and extend crosswise of the path of movement of the strips of patch making material I8.

The lowermost plate 42 is narrower than the upper plate 4| and extends between the lugs 35 of the brackets 46 and is guided for vertical movement relative to the upper plate 4| by dowel pins 49 which are rigidly secured to one of the plates, such as plate 42, and are movable in suitable holes in the other plate 4|. Preferably, at least portions of the ends of both plates ll and 42 between which the material first enters are inclined or beveled as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, to facilitate the entrance of strips I8 of material therebetween and to lessen the danger of choke up at this location. The dowel pins 49 act as guide means of the edges of the strips Ill. The

strips I8 of material pass between the two plates 4| and 42 and the lower plate 42 is adapted to be lifted to apply the strip |8 of material to a routing tool 6| hereinafter described. The means for lifting the lower plate 42 preferably comprises two hydraulic lifting cylinders 50 and 5|, Figs. 4 and '7, of duplicate construction positioned underneath the respective end portions of the plate 42 and connected by conduit means I42 with a hydraulic cylinder I43 as diagrammatically shown in Fig. 20. The hydraulic cylinders 59 and 5|, see Fig. '7, can be secured by cap screws 52'to the adjacent support bracket 46. Each hydraulic cylinder 50 and 5|, see Fig. 7, is provided with a piston 53 which has a downwardly directed cup rubber 54. Each piston 53 preferably carries a ball-spacer member 55 which is positioned in engagement with the lower plate 42. Preferably a rubber cap 56 is provided on each cylinder 50 and i. Also preferably a spring 51 is provided below each piston to take up slack and prevent lost motion of the piston and parts connected therewith. Means hereinafter described are provided for cooperation with cylinder I43 to supply fluid, such as oil, under pressure to the lowermost end of each cylinder 50 and 5i. i v

The cylinders 50 and 5t constitute what may be termed a cutting control or positioning means for establishing intermittent cutting relationship between the cutting tool and the material.

A plurality of springs 58 are connected with the lower plate 42 for returning said plate 42 to a lowered position after it has been raised and for holding said plate 42 in its lowermost position except when it is raised by the admission of fluid under pressure to the cylinders 50 and 5!. The admission of fluid under pressure to the cylinders 56 and 51 will archingly and tensionally move the strip i8 upwardly into clamping position and clamps said strip iii as well as applied the same to the routing tool 61.

Means hereinafter described is provided for engaging with and holding the portion of the strip H! which is to be cut out to form a patch and this means is properly synchronized with the strip feeding means and with the strip clamping plate 42.

The routing means and controlling and operating devices therefor, see Figs. 5 and 6, comprises a router motor 60 carrying arouting tool 6! and supported by an upper swinging arm 62 of a bracket of general U-shaped form. The arm 62 carries relatively fixed part 62a. A vertically adjustable member 621) is connected by dove tail shaped gib means 620 with the fixed part 62a. A screw GM is provided to move the member 62b up and down. A crank 62 is secured to the screw 62d. A two part bracket collar 62 is carried by the vertically adjustable member 62b and the motor 66 is held within and supported by this collar. This'adjustable motor supporting means provides for a quick and easy vertical adjustment of the motor 50 and tool 6! carried thereby and is particularly useful in adjusting said motor 60 and tool (H to patch stocks of different thickness. Preferably the motor BEI- is a high speed motor as the routing tool will do smoother and more emcient work when it is operated at very high speed.

The swinging arm 62, Fig. 6, is fixedly secured to an upright tube 63 which extends downwardly through an arcuate slot 6 1 in the table l2. Below the table [2, the tube 53 is fixedly secured to a lower swinging arm 65 which is parallel with and extends in the same direction as the upper swinging arm 62 forming the said U-shaped bracket. The outer end portion of the lower swinging arm 65 has a hub 66, Figs. 2, 3, 5 and 6, within which an upright spindle 6? is adjustably supported. A cam roller or follower 68 is rotatively mounted on the upper end portion of the spindle 5'3 and is adapted to be selectively positioned in engagement with the track of either one ofthe earns 38, 39 or '26 as hereinafter explained. Screw means 65, Fig. 5, in the hub 6'5 is adapted to be positioned within selected annular notches. 10 in the spindle (5'1v to hold the spindle in adjusted positions and a knob His provided on the lower end of the spindle -61 to facilitate adjustment of said spindle.

The two swinging arms 62 and 65 and the tube 63 are rigidly secured together and operate as one integral U-shaped part. The two arms 62 and 65 are spaced a substantial distance apart. The arm 62 operates above the table 12 and the arm 65 operates below the table 12. Such positioning of the arms of the U-shaped bracket with respect to the table provides for simple construction, non-interference with feeding of material, and efficient and compact arrangement of the cam means with respect to the material on the one side and the routing tool control means on the other. The axis of the routing tool 6! and the axis of the roller 68 preferably are aligned with each other and move in similar paths for simplicity of construction and accuracy of operation.

Two axially aligned bearing members 12 and 13 extend outwardly from the end portions of the respective swinging arms 62 and 65 adjacent the locations where these arms are fixedly secured to the tube 63. Two inclined support arms 14 and 15 each have one end portion thereof pivotally mounted on the respective bearing members 12 and 73, preferably by ball or roller bearing means It. Nuts H can be used to secure the support arms M and 15 on the bearing members 12 and 13.

The other end portions of the support arms 16 and are pivotally connected with a hubbed portion 78 of the frame or table 12 as by upright bearing means 79. As the cam roller 68 follows the track surface of one of the earns 38, 39 or 4 3 the bearing members 12 and 13 will be moved on an are about the axis of the bearing means 79 and the routing tool 6|, which is coaxial with the roller 68, will be moved in a path similar to the path of movement of the roller 68.

The means for holding the roller 68 against the track surface of a selected one of the cams 38, 39 or 40 and for imparting movement to said roller 68 in a path determined by the shape of the cam track, see Figs. 2, 3 and 5, comprises a sliding yoke 8ft having a hub portion 8!, Fig. 5, provided with relatively long antifriction bearing means 89 through which the spindle 51 passes. The yoke 80 is slidably mounted preferably on two spaced apart parallel guide rods 88 and is movable on said guide rods 88 in directions transverse to the common axis of the cams 38, 39 and 40. The guide rods 88 are supported in brackets 82. The brackets 82 are rigidly secured to a gear wheel 83 and extend downwardly from said gear whel. The gear wheel 83 is rotatively mounted on the downwardly extending table portion 35 which forms the cam receptacle. Preferably ball bearing means 84 is used in mounting the gear wheel 83 on the cam receptacle 36. Thus flat retaining rings 85 are used to prevent relative longitudinal displacement of the gear wheel- 83, meshes with another gear wheel 85 by which it is driven. The last mentioned gear wheel 86 is connected with an upright driven shaft 81. The shaft 8'! can be continuously driven during the operation of the machine. Two tension springs I38 are provided alongside of the yoke 80 to yieldingly urge the roller 68 against the cam track 38, 39', or 40', with which said roller is engaged. One end portion of each spring I38 is connected, as by pin means I39; with the gear Wheel 83 and the other end portion of each spring I38 is connected, as by pin means M9, Fig. 3, with the yoke 80.

As the guide rods 88 are carried by the gear wheel 83 and the cams 38, 39 and 49-are fixedly supported by the table I2, it is apparent that rotation of the gear wheel 83 will rotate the guide rods 88 and the yoke 89 relative to the cams. The yoke 89 carries the roller 68 and as this yoke is rotated about the axis of the gear wheel 93 the springs I38 will be rotated therewith and will yieldingly hold the roller 98 againsta cam track such as cam track 49'. This will move the roller 68 in a path determined by the shape of the cam 49 and will move the tool 6| in a similar path. The cams herein illustrated, see cam 49, Figs. '7 and 17, are of oval shape and hence the tool 6! will be moved in an oval path to rout out an oval shaped patch I8 from a strip I8, see Figs. 18 and 19.

The strip I8 from which patches are to be made is intermittently advanced by the feed rolls 25, 26 and 21. As the machine is designed to make patches of different size it is desirable to provide means for adjusting the distance which a strip will be advanced each time the feedoperates. This is accomplished by providing an adjustable clutch means designated generally by 99. The clutch means 99 is mounted on a shaft 9| which carries the feed roll 26. The feed rolls 25 and 21, see Fig. 3, are driven from the shaft 9| by linkbelts 92 and 93 respectively operating on suitable sprocket wheels on the shaft 9I and on the shafts of said feed rolls 25. 26 and 2?.

The clutch means 99, Figs. 8 to 16, comprises a cylindrical drum 94 having a hub 95 which is shaft 9| which carries the feed roll 26. Preferably a hardened steel ring 99 is fixedly secured within the drum 94, as by shrinking the drum 94 on said. ring 98. This ring 99 provides a hardened bearing surface with which a steel roller 99 can engage to transmit intermittent rotary motion to the drum 94 and shaft 9|.

The roller 99 is freely and rotatively disposed between two pins I99 which function as a cage to position said roller. The pins I99 are secured to and carried by an adjusting plate I9I which is rotatively supported on the shaft 9| external to drum 94. A yoke I92 extends across the ends of the pins I99 within the drum 94 and is rigidly secured to said, pins. Another yoke I93 extends across the pins I99 adjacent to the adjusting plate NH and is welded or otherwise, rigidly secured to said pins I99. The yokes I92 and I93 cooperate with the pins I99 in. forming a cage for the roller 99 and contribute to the strength and rigidity of the cage unit thus formed. by the parts I99, I9I, I92 and I93. The adjusting plate I9I carries another fixedly secured pin I94 which extends in an opposite direction from the pins I99 and is positioned in the path of an adjusting lever I95. A spring I94 yieldingly urges the adjusting plate I 9| in a clockwise direction as respects the showing in. Fig. 8 thus urging the pin I94 against the lever I95. The lever I95 is pivotally mounted on the shaft 9I. The outer end portion of said lever I95 is provided with a retractable spring pressed pin. I96 which is adapted to be positioned in any selected one of a plurality of holes I91 in a fixed plate I98. The plate I99 is secured to the frame I2 of the machine. Preferably the pin I96 is urged toward the plate I98 by a spring I99, Fig. 9, which is disposed in an inner tubular handle member III] on a shank portion I I I of the pin I 96 and presses against a collar I I2. The outer end portion of shank II I carries a nut I I3 which engages with the outer end portion of an outer handle member I I4. The Outer handle member II 4 is slidably movable on the inner handle member II9. Obviously an outward pull on the outer handle member II4 will withdraw the pin I96 from any hole I9] within which it is engaged and permit angular adjustment of the cage which carries the roller 99.

An oscillatory plate H5 is pivotally mounted on the shaft 9| between the drum 94 and the adjusting plate I9I. An eccentric disc mounted for oscillation on the shaft 9| and. secured to the plate I I5 as by dowel pins I I1 and a cap screw II8. A ring II9 of hardened metal is freely rotatively mounted on the eccentric disc H6. The ring H9 is adapted to be moved into engagement with the roller 99 by rotative movement of the eccentric disc HE. A flange I29 on the disc I I6 helps to prevent displacement of the ring I I9.

An arcuate slot I2I in the oscillatory plate H5 is provided for the pins I99 to extend therethrough.

Preferably bearing sleeves I22 are provided on the shaft 9! for each of the members I I6, I I5, I9I and I95 to operate on and'preferably end portions of these sleeves are outwardly flanged as shown in Fig. 9 to serve as spacer means and to help prevent longitudinal displacement of the sleeves. A set collar I23 can be provided on the shaft 9| inwardly from the lever I 95.

The oscillatory plate I I5 preferably has a portion I24 to which a bearing pin I25 is secured. A connecting rod I26, Fig. 2, is connected with the bearing pin I25 by bearing means I21. The lower end portion of the connecting rod I26, see Fig. 2, is connected by bearing means I29 with a crank pin I29 on a disc I 39. The disc I 39 is secured to an intermittently driven horizontal shaft I3I. Preferably means are provided for adjusting the length of the connecting rod I26 by nut means I26. This can be done by adjustably connecting one or both of the bearing means I27 and I28 with said connecting rod I26.

The clutch shown in Figs. 8 to 16 operates in a manner similar to a ratchet to rotate the shaft 9| through a predetermined angle and thereby advance a strip I8 of patch material a predetermined amount each time one complete revolution is imparted to the shaft I3I. Operation of said shaft I3I is controlled by one revolution clutch means which may be of a form diagrammatically shown in Fig. 20 and hereinafter described.

Each time one complete revolution is imparted to the disc I39 the oscillary plate I I5 will be angularly moved from a starting point through a predetermined angle and back to the starting point. Assuming that the plate H5 is at its starting point when in the position shown in Figs. 2, 8, 9 and 10, one revolution of the disc I39 will first move said plate I|5 counter-clockwise as respects the showing in these figures and will then move it clockwise back to its initial po feed rolls 25, 26 and 21 and will move a strip I8 'Of' patchmaking material to the left, Figs. 1, 2

and 4, a distance which has been predetermined by the setting of the adjusting lever I05. When the adjusting plate IN is moved counter-clockwise the pin I64 thereon will be moved away from the adjusting lever I and the tension spring I04 will be elongated. At this point it is to be noted that the position of the adjusting lever I05 determines-the starting position of the adjusting plate IOI which in turn determines the starting or initial position of the roller 99. The initial position of this roller 99 determines the point in the stroke of the oscillatory plate H5 at which the clutch will engage and begin to move the drum 94 and this determines the distance through which a strip I8 of patch making material will be advanced at each stroke, as :cy, Fig. 19.

When the oscillatory plate I I5 begins to move clockwise on the up stroke of the connecting rod I26, the clutch will release and the drum 94 will remain stationary while the other parts move back to their initial position. The spring I04 will move the adjusting plate IOI and roller 99 back to their initial position in which the pin I04 rests against the adjusting lever I05. The oscillatory plate H5 and eccentric disc II6 continue their movement after the roller 99 is stopped and thus have a distance of over travel which is predetermined by the setting of the adjusting lever I05. Movement of the adjusting lever I05 upwardly from the position in which it is shown in Fig. 8 will cause the clutch to engage later in its stroke and will result in less angular movement of the drum 94 on each cycle ofthe plate H5. Movement of the strip I8 of patch making material is proportional to movement of the drum 94 and thus the movement of the strip I8 can be adjusted to conserve material in the cutting the patches of different size.

Fig. 20 shows diagrammatically the electrical and hydraulic control means for this machine. This control means synchronizes the operation of the patch cutting means and the strip feed means and operates in connection with the two shafts 81 and I3I hereinbefore described.

Referring to the diagram, Fig. 20, a cam I5I, see also Fig. 2, is synchronized with thepathmovement of the patch making tool and revolves at the same speed and in the same position relationship. This can be accomplished by driving the cam I5I off of the shaft 81, by gearmeans 200 having the same ratio as gears 86 and 83. A cam follower I50 on this cam I5Ioperates a contactor I52 of a switch having two terminals I53 and I 54. Electric current from source of supply conductor I53 is supplied to contactor I52. Terminal I54 is connected by conductor I58 with a solenoid I51 of a ratchet relay designated generally by I58. The circuit through-the solenoid I51 can be completed through ground I59. Ratchet relay I58 has two contactors I60 and IBI arranged to be alternately moved by solenoid I51 into and out of contact with two terminals I62 and I63 respectively. The mode of operation of the ratchet relayis well known in the electrical arts and is as follows:

Solenoid I51 when intermittently energized, will move contactors I60 and I6I back and forth between two positions to alternately close and open the circuits to the terminals I62 and I63. Contactor I60 is connected by conductor 200 with terminal I53. Contactor I6I is connected with source of supply conductor I55. Terminal I63 is connected by conductor I64 with one terminal of the solenoid I65 of a three-way air control valve I68 controlling air pressure to cylinder I41 which acts on oil cylinder I43 causing cylinders 50 and 5| to be operated. The other terminal of the three-way air control valve solenoid I65 is connected with ground I59. Conductor I64 also is connected with a contactor I61 of a supervisory or holding relay I68. A terminal I69 of relay I68 is connected with source of supply conductor I55. Contactor I61 is adapted to be moved into open and closed circuit position by a solenoid I10 Which has one terminal connected with ground I59 and the other terminal connected by conductors HI and I56 with the terminal I54 of the cam operated switch.

The terminal I62 of ratchet relay I58 is connected through conductor I12, switch I13, conductor I14, switch I15, and. conductor I16 with a contactor I11 of a strip feed relay I18. Strip feed relay I18 has two terminals I19 and I80. The terminal I19 is connected by conductor I8I with one terminal of a clutch release solenoid I82, the other terminal of solenoid I82 is connected with ground I59. The clutch release solenoid I82 controls the release of a single revolution clutch of standard construction indicated generally by I83 and this clutch I83 controls the operation of the strip feed driving shaft I3I and allows said shaft I3I to make one complete revolution each time said single revolution clutch I83 is released by the energizing of solenoid I82. One revolution clutches of this type are well known mechanical devices. As illustrative of a one revolution clutch which will accomplish this purpose, Fig. 20 shows diagrammatically an inner clutch member I84 having peripheral cam surfaces I85 and fixedly secured to the shaft I3I. An outer constantly driven cylindrical member I86, driven as by belt 186A, Fig. 2, rotates around the inner member I84. A cylindrical roller cage I81 is disposed betwen the two members I84 and I 86, rollers 88 are supported by the cage I81 and operatively disposed between the members I84 and I86. A tension spring I89 is connected between the roller case I81 and the inner clutch member I84 to relatively move these two parts I81 and I84 and thus move the rollers I88 into locking engagement between the outer clutch member I88 and the cam surfaces I85 of the inner clutch member I84. A lug I90 on the roller cage I81 is adapted to be engaged by a pawl I9I which is connected with the solenoid I82 and is adapted to be retracted by the energizing of this solenoid I82. A spring I92 yieldingly positions the pawl I9I in the path of movement of the lug I90 when the solenoid I82 is not energized. When the cage I81 is released by lifting of the pawl I9I the spring I92 will instantly move the rollers I88 into locking position and said cage I81 together with the member I84 and shaft I3I will be locked to and rotate with the outer clutch member I86. Upon completion of one revolution of the parts I3I, I84, I91 and I88 the shoulder I90 will contact the pawl I9I, which has been returned to its initial holding position due to the de-energizing of solenoid I82, and the rollers I88 will be retracted allowing the constantly driven member I88 to continue to rotate while parts I3I, I84, I81 and I88 are restrained from rotation until the pawl I9I is again released by the energizing of solenoid I82.

The de-energizing of solenoid I82 is controlled by a cam I93 on shaft I3I. A follower I94 on cam I 93 is arranged to move a contact/or I95 into contact with a terminal I96. The contactor I94 is 'connected with the conductor I16. The terminal nal I86 of strip feed relay I18. Terminal I86 is connected by a conductor I 93 with a solenoid I96 through which a circuit can be completed to ground I59.

Fluid, such as oil, under pressure is supplied to the hydraulic cylinders 56 and through conduits I42 which communicate with a hydraulic actuating cylinder I43. A piston I44 in the cylinder I43 is connected with a piston I46 in an air cylinder I 41. An air conduit I 48 connects the air cylinder It? with the three-way air control valve I66 of standard construction. When the solenoid I65 is energized the valve I66 will be actuated either by gravity or electrically or by spring means, depending upon the particular type of standard valve employed, to permit the passage of air under pressure therethrough from a compressed air inlet pipe I49 to the air conduit I48. When said solenoid I65 is de-energized the valve I66 will be returned to a starting position in which the inlet of compressed air from pipe I49 is cut off and the air conduit I48 is communicatively connected with an exhaust conduit I34.

The three-way air control valve I66 is also connected by way of the conduit I48 and by way of a branch conduit I35, see also Fig. 5, with an air cylinder I36. A piston I31 in the air cylinder P36 is connected by a piston rod 2M with another piston 262 in the housing 263 of a vacuum control valve. A spring 264 urges the piston I31 in one direction and the admission of compressed air through conduit I is adapted to move the piston I 31, together with the piston 202, in the opposite direction. The spring 204 is disposed within a housing 265 which preferably is air tight except that a small orifice 266 of such degree of smallness is provided, whereby on the down stroke of the piston I31 a cushioning pressure is afforded. Spring 2% may be only of such strength as to return piston I31 and parts 2IlI and 262 to raised position. A second three-way air control valve 267 connected with a compressed air supply canduit 268 and a vacuum conduit 209 is adapted to be operated by a solenoid H6. The solenoid 2 II! has one terminal connected with the ground I59 and the other terminal connected by a conductor 2 II with the terminal I19 of the strip feed relay I18. The vacuum conduit 209 is connected with a vacuum pump 2I2 which may be driven by a motor 2I3. Tubular conduit means 2M connects the three-way valve 267 with the vacuum cylinder housing 263 and said conduit means 2M also connects the three-way valve 267 with patch holding devices now to be described.

The means for holding a patch I8 while the same is being routed or cut out of the patch forming material I8, see Figs. 1, 5, 5A and 20, comprises a movable patch holding member 2 I 5 positioned directly under the oval shaped openings 43 and M in the plates GI and 42 so that it will extend lengthwise of the patch. For the best results the patch holding member 2I5 is provided with upwardly protruding spaced apart patch holding and wood penetrating needles 2I6 which are adapted to sink into the patch and help hold said patch steady while it is being routed. Preferably at least two needles are provided. These needles 2 I 6 are of small diameter and have sharp points and do not mar the patch. The function of these needles, as above described, is most important in providing a smooth edged and accurately cut patch. The patch holding member 2I5 is further provided with upwardly directed vacuum cup or cups 2 I I of rubber or like air tight both the vacuum cups ZIl and the patch holding member contact the patch. The top of the patch holding member 2H5 provides a firm base in a given plane against which the patch It may be held by the suction exerted through the cups 2!? and this combined arrangement also provides a support for the entire edge portio of the patch while it is being cut. I

The patch holding member 2I5 is rigid with a tubular lever arm 2H3 by which it is supported. The lever arm 2 It has an upwardly extending fixedly secured support arm 2 I6. The upper end portion of the support arm 2I9 is fixedly secured to a shaft 226. The shaft 226 is pivotally supported in preferably three brackets 22I which are rigid with the lower clamping plate 52. A torsion spring 222 on the shaft 226 exerts a resilient force which tends to hold the lever arm 2I3 and patch holding member 2I5 in a lowered position as shown in Fig. 5A.

,A lever arm 223, rigid with the shaft 226, is connected as by a tension spring 22 1 and piston rod 225, with the piston 262, and thereby to piston I 3?. The tension spring 22d compensates for variations in the thickness of the veneer stock I8. The mechanism just described provides means for moving the vacuum cups 2| I and needles 2 I 6 upwardly into contact with the patch section I8a of the veneer strip I8, as shown in Fig. 5, whenever air under pressure is admitted through conduit I35 to the cylinder I36.

The tubular lever arm 2I8 and patch holding member 2I5 have passageways 226 which communicate with both of the vacuum cups 2 I1 and are communicatively connected with the conduit 2M which connects with the three-way valve 261. I I f The port 22? through which the conduit 2m connects with the vacuum valve cylinder 263 is located so that when the piston 262 is in the lowered position, as shown in Fig. 5, this port 22'! will be covered by said piston. Also another port 228 which has communication with the atmosphere through a screen 236 is positioned in the same transverse plane of cylinder 263 as is port 227 and is covered by piston 202 whenever port 221 is so covered. When the piston 202 is in a raised position both of the ports 22'! and 228 will be uncovered and the conduit 2M will be open to the atmosphere. When ports 22? and 228 are covered by piston 2&2, then vacuum is exerted in conduit 2H3 thereby exerting vacuum through cups 2!! on the patch section IBc.

The operation of the control means shown diagrammatically in Fig. 20 is as follows: The cam I5I and the external member I86 of the single revolution clutch which is connected with the shaft I BI are each continuously driven. Each time the follower I56 passes from the arcuate portion onto the fiat portion of the cam I5I, a circuit will be closed from conductor I56 through contactor I52, terminal I54, conductor I56, and solenoid I5! to ground I59. This energizing of solenoid I51 will operate ratchet relay I58 and change the position of contactors I66 and NH. It will be assumed that solenoid I5l is energized and has just moved contactors' I 66 and I 6! to break a previously closed contact with terminal I62 and close a previously broken contact with terminal I63. This completes a circuit from conductor I55, through contactor I6I, terminal I63, conductor I64 and the solenoid I65 of threeway air control valve I66 to ground I55. The completion of this circuit moves air control valve I66 and supplies air pressure to cylinder I41 which moves pistons I46 and I44 and delivers fiuid such as oil under pressure to the cylinders 56 and I. This causes the pistons in cylinders 56 and 5| to move the strip of material I8 into engagement with the continuously moving driven tool 6! and clamp this arched strip 18 under tension against the upper plate M where it is securely held while a patch is being out. Also at the same time the movement of valve I66 allows air under pressure to flow through conduit I35 into cylinder I36, see also Fig. 5, and this moves the vacuum cups 2I1 and needles 2I6 into operative engagement with the patch which the tool is starting to out. It will be noted that when piston 262 is moved downwardly by the admission of compressed air to cylinder I36, it closes port 221 so that vacuum exerted by the continuously operating pump 2 l2 will be exerted through the then open three-way air valve 261 and conduits 2M and 226 on the vacuum cups ZI'I to cause these cups to securely grip and hold the patch which is being out. Incidentally the closing of the circuit through terminal I54 of the cam operated switch also completes a circuit from conductor I55, through contactor 52, terminal I54, conductor Ill and solenoid I16 of the supervisory relay I68 to ground I59. The energizing of solenoid I16 closes a circuit through the supervisory relay I68 from conductor I55, through terminal I69, contactor I61 and conductor I54 to the solenoid I65 of the three-way air control valve I66. The closing of these circuits to and through the supervisory relay I68 at this time in the cycle is immaterial but these circuits do perform a useful function each alternate time they are closed as hereinafter described.

The fiat portion of the cam I5I preferably maintains a closed circuit through terminal I54 while the cam is moving through an angle of about fifteen degrees. At the end of this approximately fifteen degree travel of the cam I5I, the follower IE6 is moved outwardly and both of the previously described circuits to solenoids I51 and 116 are broken. Incidentally the contactor I52 is caused to contact the terminal I53 at this time but this contact is immaterial at this time in the cycle because the contactor I66 is in an open circuit position. The positions of the contactors of ratchet relay I58 are not changed by the deenergizing of solenoid I 51 and the circuit through ratchet relay I53 to the air valve solenoid I65 is maintained closed until the cam 15! has made one complete revolution and is back to a position where the follower I56 drops onto the flat surface of said cam. The cam I5Ii and the routing tool 61 revolve at the same rate of speed and in the same position relationship and while the cam has been moving one complete revolution from the assumed starting point the routing tool 6I will have completed an oval cut in the strip I8.

At this assumed starting point the follower I56 wil1 again pass onto the fiat surface of the cam I5I and the circuits to the ratchet relay solenoid I51 and the supervisory relay solenoid I16 will both again be closed. This simultaneously closes a previously described circuit through the supervisory relay I68 to the air valve solenoid I65 and breaks a previously described circuit through the ratchet relay I58 to the air valve solenoid I65. Also it closes a circuit from conductor I55 through contactor I52, terminal I53, conductor 266, contactor I66, terminal I62 and conductor I12 as far as then open safety switch I13. The closed circuit established through supervisory relay I68, asjust described, will hold the air valve I66 open and keep the strip I8 of veneer stock clamped against the upper plate tI while the cam I5I continues to move through a further angle of about fifteen degrees and the follower I56 remains on the fiat portion of said cam. This provides for about fifteen degrees overlap of the routing tool 6| while the work is clamped and held in its path. It has been found that this overlap in the travel of the routing tool 6! is desirable to insure that the patch will be completely severed from the stock and will have time to drop down on the plate I33 before the stock is lowered and advanced.

When the follower I56 again pases onto the raised portion of the cam 55! the circuit through the supervisory relay I56 to the air valve solenoid I65 will be broken thus ole-energizing sole noid I65. At the same time circuits to the threeway air valve 261 and the strip feed means will be closed as follows: Movement of the contactor I52 will break contact with terminal I54, in the circuit of supervisory relay I68, and make contact with terminal I53. The breaking of the circuit to the supervisory relay I68 and de-energizing of solenoid I65 will allow the air valve I66 to change its position and this will exhaust the cylinders 56 and 5| and close the switches I13 and I15.

The closing of switches I13 and I15 by the lowering of plate 42 completes a circuit from energized cnductor I12 by way of switch I13, conductor I14, switch I15, conductor I16, contactor I11, terminal I19 and conductor 2H to solenoid 2H] of three-way air control valve 261. The momentary energizing of solenoid 2H] moves valve 261 to cut off vacuum to conduit 2 I4 and at the same time to admit compressed air from pipe 268 to said conduit 2 I4. This blows a jet of compressed air through conduit 2I4 to the vacuum cups 2I1 thereby blowing out occluded saw dust within the conduits. This is very important in maintaining the machine in continued operations. The hook 229 breaks the patch lose from the cup 2 I 1 when the arm 2 I8 drops downwardly, and

if by any reason the patch is not removed from the cup 231, said jet of compressed air releases the patch.

As the piston 202 is raised at this time, the jet of compressed air is free to discharge from conduit 2! through ports 221 and 223 and helps to maintain screen 236 clear for the passage of air. The solenoid 2I6 is only energized momentarily and is quickly de-energized by the movement of contactor I11, as hereinafter described.

When a patch I8 is thus dropped one edge portion of said patch will be supported on clips 229. see Figs. 1 and 5A, which are carried by the lower clamping plate 42. The clips 229 help to disengage the patch from the vacuum cups 2I1 and needles 2I6 and tend to support the patch in an inclined position. One preferred way to insure discharge of the patches from the machine is to tilt or incline the entire machine in a clockwise direction as respects the showing in Figs. 5 and 5A sufficiently so that the patches when released, and also the cuttings from the tool 6| will discharge by gravity. Another satisfactory way to discharge the patches from the machine is to blow or draw either an intermittent or a constant blast of air across the plate member I33 from left to right as respects the showing in Figs. and 5A to remove both the patches and the cuttings from the tool 3!. 1

The closing of switches I73 and l75-also completes a circuit from conductor I59 through contactor 52, terminal I53, conductor 289, contactor E39, terminal I92, conductor I72, switch I73, conductor I7 3, switch I75, conductor I76, strip feed relay contactor I17, terminal I79, conductor I 8! and clutch release solenoid I82 to ground I59. Also at the same time, it completes a circuit to the contactor I95; which is arranged to be moved between an open and a'closed position by the follower I96 of cam I93 on strip feed drive shaft I3I. The contactor I77 of strip feed relay I79 is normally closed a respects terminal I79 and open as respects terminal I 89 but can be opened as respects terminal I79; and closed as respects terminal I80 by the energizing of solenoid I99.

The energizing of the clutch release solenoid I92 releases the pawl I9I and starts the operation of the one revolution clutch I83 to impart one revolution to the shaft I3I and thereby feed the strip I9 of veneer forward a sufficient distance to provide material for the next patch. Shortly after shaft I3! begins to turn the cam I93 closes the circuit through contactor I95, terminal I99, conductor I97, conductor I98, and solenoid I99 to ground I59. This moves contactor II'I, breaks the circuit through terminal I79 to clutch release solenoid I82 and closes a holding circuit through terminal I99 and conductor I98 to sole noid I99. This keeps the circuit to the clutch release solenoid I82 de-energized so that the clutch I93 can complete one revolution and be stopped and held by the pawl I9I with the follower I99 on the fiat portion of the cam I93 and contactor I99 in open switch position, as respects terminal I99.

The above described operation of the one revolution clutch I93 takes place while the cam I5I is moving through less than one complete revolution and the follower IE9 is on the raised portion of said cam. As soon as the follower I59 again passes onto the flat portion of the cam I5I the circuit through terminal I62 of ratchet relay I59 will be broken, the solenoid I99 of strip feed relay I78 will be de-energized and another cycle will be started.

In the modified form, as shown in Fig. 16A, of the rotatable or roller means of the clutch member shown in Figs. 8 to ldinclusive, one of the fixed pin members I89 is replaced by a member I90A having a spring [893 yieldingly urging a bearing member I000 against the rotatable member 99. This construction eliminates all lost motion of the rotatable member 99 and provides for extreme accuracy as to time or cycle of the gripping of the clutch controlling the feeding mechanismsuch rotatable member may be a roller or a ball.

The operation of this machine has been set forth hereinabove in connection with the description of its parts and construction. The mode of operation may be summarizedas follows: Strips I3 from which patches I8 are to be made are placed on the supporting rolls I! with their forward ends against the stop member 20 and with the weight 2| resting on these strips and the forward end portion of the lowermost'strip resting on the feed roll 21. Power .is supplied to continuously drive the router motor 69 and the shaft 97 and'the member I86 which operates through the one revolution clutch to intermittently drive the shaft I3I. The shaft 8'! drives the gear wheels 89 and 83 and this operates the bracket means shown in Fig; 6 and the parts carried thereby to move the routing tool 9| in a path which corresponds to the path of. movement of the axis of the cam roller 68. The electrical devices shown in Fig. 20 operates in synchronized relation to the patch making means and properly synchronize the operation of the several parts of the machine.

The strip feed means and the hydraulic means for lifting and clamping the strip I8 and holding the patch while a patch is being made operate alternately. The routing tool 6| makes a patch in the course of one revolution and then idles during the next revolution while the strip I8'is being advanced.

The strips I9" feed successively one after another as long as there are any strips on the pile. Obviously changes may be made in the forms, dimensions, and arrangement of parts of this invention, without departing from the principle thereof, the above setting forth only preferred forms of embodiment.

I claim: 1. In a machine of the class described, a frame; a patch veneer stock holding means mounted on said frame; a routing tool means mounted on said frame on one side of said stock holding means; a movable patch section holding vacuum cup carrying arm pivotally mounted adjacent said patch stock holding means; a vacuum cup mounted on said. vacuum cup arm; a vacuum developing means communicatingly connected to said cup; and wood piercing means adjacent said cup which penetrates the veneer patch section.

2. In a machine of the class described, a frame; a patch veneer stock clamping means mounted on said frame having an opening extending through said means of substantially larger size than the patch to be cut from said stock; an automatically mechanically actuated and guided routing tool swingingly mounted on said frame on one side of said stock clamping means; an automatically separate movable patch section holding arm pivotally mounted adjacent said patch stock clamping means out of the path of said routing tool, having a vacuum cup opening; a vacuum cup mounted in said opening engageable continuously with said stock while said routing tool is caused to progressively advance in the cutting path of the patch pattern while said clamping means is holding the stock on the outside of the cutting path, whereby said patch section may be firmly held by the simultaneously cooperative action of the clamping means and the suction cup while being formed into a cutout patch; and an actuating means for said arm whereby said arm may be moved into engagement with one surface of the patch veneer stock.

3. In a machine of the class described, a frame; a patch veneer stock holding means mounted on said frame; an automatically mechanically actuated and guided routing tool means mounted on said frame on one side of said stock holding means; an automatically movable patch section holding arm mounted adjacent said patch stock holding means, having a bar with vacuum cup opening and wood piercing means carried by said bar which penetrates the,

veneer stock; vacuum cup mounted in said cup opemng, whereby said patch section may be firmly held while being formed into a cut out patch; and actuating means for said arm whereby said bar may be moved into engagement with one surface of patch veneer stOck.

4. In a machine of the class described, a frame; a patch veneer stock holding means mounted on said frame; an automatically mechanically actuated and guided routing tool means mounted on said frame on one side of said stock holding means; an automatically movable patch section holding arm mounted adjacent said patch stock holding means having a bar with a vacuum cup opening in each end portion and wood piercing means adjacent each of said cup openings; a vacuum cup mounted in each cup opening whereby said patch section may be firmly held while being formed into a cut out patch; and actuating means for said arm whereby said bar may be moved into engagement with one surface of patch veneer stock.

5. In a machine of the class described, a frame; a patch veneer stock clamping plates having registering openings therein and guiding pins mounted on said frame; an automatically mechanically actuated and guided routing tool means mounted on said frame on one side of said stock holding means; an automatically movable patch section holding vacuum cup carrying arm pivotally mounted adjacent to and movable in an arc with respect to said patch stock clamping plates; a vacuum cup mounted on said vacuum cup arm; a vacuum developing means communicatingly connected to said cup; air pressure supply means; vacuum control means connected to said vacuum developing means and to said air pressure supply means, whereby when said vacuum to said cup is relieved, a blast of air under pressure is immediately and momentarily supplied to said cup thereby blowing out the air lines and cooperating in dislocating the patch.

6. In a machine of the class described, a frame; a patch veneer stock holding means mounted on said frame at a substantial angle to the horizontal; an automatically mechanically actuated and guided routing tool means mounted on said frame on one side of said stock holding means; cam guiding means for said routing tool; and an automatically movable patch section holding vacuum cup mounted adjacent said patch stock holding means, whereby said patch section may be firmly held while being formed into a cut out patch and the discharge of which patch is facilitated by gravity due to the angular tilt of said stock holding means.

'7. In a machine of the class described, patch forming material holding means which clamps the patch forming material outwardly from the area from which a patch is to be cut; an automatically mechanically actuated and guided patch cutting tool movable in the patch forming material in an overlapping circuit; a cam guiding means for said cutting tool; and other and separate tension mounted holding means which is engageable with that portion of the patch forming material which is to be cut out as a patch and which holding means is supported by means located out of the path of said routing too], whereby the patch forming material is firmly held at all times on both sides of the line of cutting and whereby the cutting tool is movable in the patch forming material in a continuous operation in an endless path around said last-mentioned holding means in providing a match characterized by having a smooth edge surface.

8. In a machine for cutting patches out of a operation.

9. In a machine for cutting patches out of patch forming material, two parallel clamping plates movable toward and away from each other to selectively clamp and release patch forming material, said plates having registering openings across which patch forming material clamped by said plates extends; a driven tool having a patch cutting element movable in an endless path within the patch forming material which extends across said openings; a movable patch holding member; vacuum cups carried by said patch holding member positioned to engage the side of the patch forming material opposite from said tool and within the area around which the cutting element of the tool moves; a vacuum exerting means communicatively connected with said vacuum cups; and protruding needle members carried by said patch holding member and positioned adjacent said vacuum cups, whereby said vacuum cups and said needle members cooperate to hold a patch while the same is being cut.

10. In a routing machine, a patch pattern determining cam; a driven routing tool; material supporting means positioned between said driven routing tool and said cam; a clamping plate positioned adjacent to and in spaced relation from said material supporting means on the side thereof toward the driven routing tool; material feeding means operablewhereby material is fed between said material supporting means and said clamping plate; supporting means moving devices connected with said material supporting means, whereby the supporting means can be moved toward the routing tool to clamp material against the clamping plate and apply said material to the routing tool; a patch holding member swingingly movable toward and away from material held by said material supporting means at the side of the material opposite said routing tool; vacuum cups carried by said patch holding member and positioned t engage said material; protruding needles carried by said patch holding member adjacent said vacuum cups arranged to be pressed into the material by the pull of the cups; and vacuum exerting means communicatively connected with the cups.

ll. In a machine of the class described, a frame; a stock holding means mounted on said frame; an automatically mechanically actuated routing tool means mounted on said frame above said holding means; a cam guiding means for said routing tool; a vacuum cup holding arm pivotally mounted adjacent said stock holding means out of the path of said routing tool; a vacuum developing means; and vacuum cup mounted on said vacuum cup holding arm which cup is eommunicatively connected to said vacuum developing means.

12. In a machine for cutting patches out of patch forming material an upper fixed and a lower movable clamping plate having registering openings across which the patch forming material extends; an automatically mechanically actuated and guided cutting tool supported for movement in a predetermined endless path in the patch forming material which extends across said openings; and a swingingly mounted patch holding member selectively engageable With that portion of the patch forming material around which the tool moves, the top of said member in applied position being on a level a little higher than the plane of the top surface of the lower clamping plate in clamping position, whereby the patch portion is placed under tension during the cutting operation.

13. In a machine of the class described, a frame; a stock holding means mounted on said frame; feeding means whereby stock may be fed to said holding means; an automatically mechanically actuated and guided routing tool mounted on said frame above said holding means; and a resiliently held patch holding'arm movably mounted adjacent said stock holding means having patch engaging means, whereby said patch portion may be held while being cut from said stock.

CHARLES A. SHERMAN.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,497,765 Abbot June 17, 1924 1,569,490 Hiscock Jan. 12, 1926 2,366,728 Handley Jan. 9, 1945 

